INTERNATIONAL LEGAL STANDARDS FOR THE EQUITABLE PROVISION OF TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE

Abstract

In a situation of transition from conflict or authoritarian rule, which has led to gross human rights violations or serious violations of international humanitarian law, the United Nations pays special attention to the measures taken by the relevant authorities to ensure truth, justice and reparation. International instruments define transitional justice as follows: «a set of processes and mechanisms related to society’s attempts to overcome the grave consequences of large-scale violations of the law in the past in order to ensure accountability, justice and reconciliation». The international community has a duty to take immediate steps to protect human rights and security in a situation where the internal system of law enforcement is destroyed or ceases to function as a result of the conflict. In the long run, no special, temporary or external measures can replace justice. Therefore, for decades, a number of United Nations agencies have been helping countries strengthen their national justice systems in line with international standards. Transitional justice is a set of measures related to systematic or mass human rights violations that compensates victims of violations, as well as enabling or facilitating the transformation of political systems, conflicts and other conditions that may be at the root of abuse. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is increasingly recognizing the need to intensify its support for the United Nations system’s efforts to take swift and effective action in post-conflict settlement missions to restore the rule of law and restore justice. Countries emerging from conflicts and crises are often characterized by insufficient or no rule of law, inadequate capacity to administer and administer justice, and an increase in human rights violations. This situation is often exacerbated by a lack of public confidence in public authorities and a lack of resources. Key words: human rights, rule of law, transitional justice, international standards, conflict and post-conflict periods.